Aug 28, Kathmandu - The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nepali government, demanding the immediate reopening of the registration and renewal process for online media outlets.

A delegation led by FNJ President Nirmala Sharma submitted a memorandum to Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, outlining the federation’s demands. The memorandum, signed by FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, warns that if the registration and renewal processes remain blocked, the federation will initiate protests and other forms of agitation.

In response, Minister Gurung assured that transitional arrangements would be implemented to address the difficulties faced by online media outlets. He also stated that new regulations would be enacted promptly to facilitate smoother registration and renewal processes. Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal emphasized that initiatives are underway to simplify the procedures for media registration and renewal.

The current challenges stem from amendments to the Printing Press and Publication Act of 2048 BS, which shifted the authority for registering and renewing online media to local administrations. As a result, the registration, renewal, and operation of online media outlets across Nepal have faced significant obstacles.